Cell Culture QC
Automated imaging tools can provide valuable information for improving routine cell culturing techniques and increasing the effectiveness and reproducibility of downstream cell-based assays. Conventional methods for evaluating cell culturing techniques and assay design consist of manual inspection of a small subset of the cell population at random locations and time points. These techniques rely on subjective measurements that are difficult to standardize and contribute to increased variability from round to round. In contrast, automated continuous monitoring of cell cultures with the Lionheart™ FX Automated Microscope or Cytation™ Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader provides a detailed record of a broad range of cell characteristics that can be used to establish best practices within the lab and improve assay results.
Automated Cell Count and Viability
Assay setup and optimization, as well as routine maintenance of cell cultures, requires accurate determination of cell counts and viability. Manual cell counting with a hemocytometer is time consuming and depends on subjective evaluation by the user, leading to erroneous and inconsistent results.
Measurement of Cell Density in Culture Vessels
Measurement of cell propagation when culturing is required for effective workflows and downstream assays. Automated % confluence measurements provides accurate determinations using large culturing vessels.
Monitoring Cell Culture Growth Kinetics
Kinetic profiles of cell growth can be used to optimize culturing conditions, reagent usage and experiment duration.
Automated Culture Techniques for 3D Structures
Aggregating cells into 3D structures tends to provide more physiologically relevant cell models that better mimic human in-vivo conditions. Automated media exchanges necessary to maintain cell health simplify workflows that are often carried out over weeks.
Measurement of Transduction and Transfection Efficiencies
The introduction of foreign genetic elements is a cell- and agent-dependent process that requires optimization. Quantitative imaging is a highly useful method for characterizing transfection and transduction efficiencies of fluorescent protein constructs.